BRENTFORD old boy Jay Tabb is determined to show QPR fans just what they missed out on when high-flying Reading visit Loftus Road this weekend, writes Rob Brennan.

The former Ireland U21 international left mid-table Coventry City to sign a twoand-a-half year deal with Reading for an initial fee of £300,000 which will rise significantly should the Royals secure promotion to the Premier League.

Speaking to the Gazette, Tabb (pictured) admitted a move to West London would have appealed if the money men in W12 had stumped up the cash.

"I heard some rumours about other clubs and QPR would have been another great club to

have got a move to, but I believe that Reading is the right club for me and I'm delighted to have got the move," he said.

It will be Tabb's second visit to Loftus Road this season having been part of the Coventry side that drew 1-1 with the Hoops earlier this month, and the 24-year-old admits he has a soft spot for the stadium.

He said "I love playing at Loftus Road, it's one of my favourite grounds. It's old school, it's in London, and the fans create a good atmosphere and give you plenty of stick.

"There are so many new grounds around at the moment, it's nice to have a ground with a bit of character."

The Tooting born midfielder, who grew up in Motspur Park,

believes the loss of Martin Rowlands could have a major impact on the Hoops' promotion ambitions.

"I played with Martin [Rowlands] at Brentford and I heard that he has done his cruciate which is a shame for him and for QPR. He is a really good player, one of the best in the Championship and it's a real shame that he is going to be out for the rest of the season."

Tabb was voted Brentford and the Gazette's player of the year in 2004 and still looks out for the Bees' results. He plans to watch his former club as soon as possible.

He said, "I haven't been to Brentford for a while now. The last time I went to a game was when they drew 2-2 at home to

Oldham two seasons ago.

"I'm definitely going to get down to Griffin Park as soon as possible. I might pop along to a midweek game if we aren't playing. It's just down the road now so that's good.

"I really enjoyed my time there. It's a real shame that we didn't get promoted in my final season. I think we deserved to."

Tabb has followed a familiar trail of ex-Brentford players who have ended up at Reading and is hoping his career can move to another level under Coppell.

"Steve Coppell was definitely a big factor in me coming here. Look at players' careers when they come here - they take off. Look at the number of players in the Ireland squad as well -

that is a big incentive for me.

"There has been a bit of banter going round the changing room that to get a move here you either have to be Irish or ex-Brentford. I'm obviously both and have been lucky enough to get a move here."